The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, is determined to prevent Chiquita from closing its operations in Bocas del Toro at all costs. The departure of the company would have a significant impact on over 7,300 workers in the banana sector. According to Mulino, "The current situation in Bocas del Toro is more than just a shutdown."
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"This year, we anticipate a higher yield thanks to the increased production from newly established farms."
2025-05-20 00:00
As noted in the report by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture on the most recent berry season, the cultivation area for blueberries in the autonomous regions of Galicia, Cantabria, and Asturias has been expanding since 2018. In fact, seven years ago, these three regions had...
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Sri Lanka is increasing its exports of TomEJC mangoes to West Asia.
2025-05-20 00:00
Sri Lanka exports 85% of its mangoes to West Asia, with shipments rising over the past five years. Mango cultivation expanded by 11% from 2015 to 2022, reaching 31,000 hectares, and production increased by 30% to 193,000 metric tons. Australia's Market Development Facility (MDF) recently hosted
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Lifeline for the South African canned fruit industry
2025-05-20 00:00
The fruit canning factory in Ashton, Western Cape, accounts for about half of South Africa's canning industry, according to Jacques Jordaan, CEO of the Canning Fruit Producers' Association. He warns that if the factory closes down, the entire industry is at risk.
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Tajikistan is currently experiencing the beginning of its early cherry harvest, with farmers reporting a bountiful crop of large fruits. The current prices at local markets are around US$1.10 to US$1.80 per kilogram, which is a decrease of about US$0.30 to US$0.45 compared to last year. Harvesting activities are in full swing.
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Peach and nectarine growers in France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain are requesting accelerated approval of phytosanitary products.
2025-05-20 00:00
The French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish peach and nectarine contact group met in Fundao, Portugal, on the 14th and 15th of May. The group, consisting of the leaders of the sectoral associations from the four countries and government officials, will request the European Commission to make modifications.
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Honeybear Brands is pleased to welcome Starr Ranch Growers as its new apple packing partner.
2025-05-20 00:00
Honeybear Brands, a producer and distributor of both conventional and organic apples, pears, and cherries, has announced that Starr Ranch Growers, also known as Oneonta Starr Ranch, has become a packing partner for apples, effective immediately. Starr Ranch Growers, owned and operated by the Thomas family, is now part of the Honeybear team.
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Catalonia's stone fruit production is expected to decrease by 2% in 2024, followed by a recovery of 5%.
2025-05-20 00:00
According to data presented today by Afrucat, Catalonia's Fruit Business Association, and DARPA, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, Catalonia will maintain its peach and nectarine production despite the hailstorms this spring. Catalonia's production will decrease by 2%.
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The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has adopted a new era of sustainable, fresh nutrition at its Colorado Springs training center through a partnership with Babylon Micro-Farms. What started as one installation has now grown to three units, highlighting the increasing demand.
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Turkey, the world's leading apricot producer, is experiencing a shift in its market dynamics following severe frosts in April 2025, as reported by EastFruit. This climatic event is expected to impact apricot pricing across the EU, USA, Middle East, and Central Asia, with countries like Ukraine,...
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A 285-year-old lemon was sold for £1,400 at an auction after being discovered in a drawer of a chest that was sold for just £32. The lemon, dating back to 1739, had a handwritten note attached to it and was likely preserved by drying. In another fruit-related discovery, a 52-million-year-old fossilized berry was found.
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"The anticipated rise in demand this summer makes it crucial to promote the consumption of avocados."
2025-05-19 00:00
Now that the avocado season has ended in the Iberian Peninsula, the market is closely monitoring the development of the summer supply, which is expected to increase significantly. Meanwhile, the mango market is in a delicate phase of transitioning between different sources.
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The Polish berry grower is more focused on high quality compared to a couple of years ago, says Dominika Kozarzewska of the Polish Berry Cooperative. "The Polish production of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries has been shifting towards high-quality fresh market fruits, mostly grown."
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Po katastrofalnym sezonie wiśniowym w 2024 roku, producenci i pakowacze z Kolumbii Brytyjskiej (B.C.) z niecierpliwością oczekują sezonu, który miejmy nadzieję będzie normalny. "Przez zimę mieliśmy idylliczne warunki pogodowe z optymalną liczbą godzin chłodzenia" - mówi Ricky Chong z World Fresh Exports. Zimę następowało.
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The Asia Fruit Logistica ticket shop is now open.
2025-05-19 00:00
The online ticket shop for Asia Fruit Logistica is now officially open. Asia's premier fresh fruit and vegetable trade show is back in Hong Kong on 3–5 September 2025, bringing the global fresh produce business together and showcasing the entire value chain. Visitors to Asia Fruit Logistica
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Despite a decrease in the cultivation area, a successful strawberry harvest is anticipated.
2025-05-19 00:00
The total area under strawberry cultivation in Switzerland in 2025 is 469.2 hectares, which is approximately 20 hectares less than the previous year. The area dedicated to organic strawberry cultivation has decreased by 14% to 37 hectares. During the main harvest season from mid-May to mid-June, Swiss...
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Produkcja melonów cantaloupe i honeydew rozpoczęła się w zeszłym tygodniu w Sonorze, Meksyku. „Obie odmiany radzą sobie dobrze” - mówi Raquel Espinoza z Produce House, dodając, że obie odmiany mają dobrą jakość w tym sezonie, o wysokim poziomie Brix oraz szczególnym skupieniu na kondycji owoców.
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Is the new Jackson rootstock the key to saving the kiwi industry?
2025-05-19 00:00
Last week at Macfrut, Star Fruits introduced its new rootstock for cultivating kiwis, potentially sparking a small revolution in a sector that had experienced little innovation recently. Before delving into the details, it's worthwhile to trace the history of kiwi cultivation in Europe to comprehend why.
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South Africa organizes potato events for International Potato Day.
2025-05-19 00:00
South Africa will participate in the global celebration of the United Nations' International Day of the Potato on May 30, with Potatoes South Africa (Potatoes SA) organizing events to raise awareness about the significance of potatoes in food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods.
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The nematode crisis poses a threat to potato farming in Sa Pobla.
2025-05-19 00:00
Potato cultivation in Sa Pobla is facing challenges due to a nematode infestation, leading farmers to reconsider their investments. Nematodes are inhibiting the proper growth of potatoes, leading to smaller, unprofitable yields. Farmers are calling for authorities to approve the use of dichloropropene or sodium metabisulfite to combat this issue.
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